Morris tribune., 1887-01-26
THE MISSING WILL.
BY SIS LYONS.

ly, the old oak tree at the corner of
the Hazelton Farmhouse, or Oak
wood, as it was called, waved its bare
branches drearily in the midnight
wind, as it sighed and groaned weird
ly in fashion which reminds one Of
ghosts and hobgoblins and almost
converts the firm non. believer into q
strong splritualist, and unless he is
possessed of the bravery OF some bold
warrier OF old, makes him quake with
lear,
Inside the scene was even more SOM
bre. Old Farmer Hazelton was
breathing his last. His aged face was
pinched and drawn with pain, his eyes
had a troubled, restless, anxious look
about them; his long, snow-white hair
fell in bold relief against the black
dress of his adopted daughter as he
lay with his head pillowed on her
shoulder.
Paralysis, that most cruel of all
diseases, which strikes them down and
prevents them from saying that last
farewell which is so comforting and
takes so much of the bitter sting
away when parting from loved ones,
had taken possession of him and had
since rendered speech impossible;
but ne had found tender and skillful
nurse in the child he had taken and
cared for as one OF his own. His wife,
dying several years before, had left
him chlldless and alone in the world,
with the exception OF a cruel, heart
less step-brother, to whom he had not
spoken for years.
He had acquired a great deal of this
worlds goods, and the prediction Of
everyone was that Evelyn would be
his heiress, for did he not love her AS
an own dear daughter, and was henot
at enmity with his only living rela-
tive?
Farmer Hazelton looked at her
pleadingly, with a longing expression
in his sunken eyes, as though he would
fain speak with them, since his lips re-
fused to do his bidding,
"What is it, papa? What wouldyou
have me do? Oh, if you could only
speak to me just once before you die"
said Evelyn in heart broken voice,
as the tears streamed down her love-
ly face.
The old man glanced restlessly from
the window to herfac The branches
Of the old oak tree tapped against the
window, seemingly saying, "here, here. "
Thinking the wind annoyed him, she
rose and closed the blind, but when
she returned there was the same de-
spairing look there, only growingmore
hopeless, as his breath became shorter
each moment. A sudden inspiration
came over her. Papa. do you'-
eagerly-"wish me to promise to al
ways stay at Oakwood?"
The dissatisfied, anxious expression
passed away, he tried to nod his head
afirmafively, but made but feeble
success.
The huge old-fashioned clock chimed
twelve; the wind groaned louder than
ever; the tree kept up its ceaseless tap
ping; the old mans head dropped up
on his chest. Evelyn was alone at
midnight with the dead.
With one hard, dry sob she fell
across his body. She realized in one
dreadful moment that she was alone
in the world. Herlast dearfriend had
gone. Kind neighbors coming in in the
morning to inquire his condition and
see what could be done, found them
thus. They gently led her away and in
sisted upon her resting. The village
undertaken was sent for and ar1 ange-
ments MADE for the funeral. Poor
Evelyn was almost heart broken.
The next morning going into the
parlor where he was laid out already
for the funeral which was to take
place that afternoon, she knelt down
and sobbed until her very frame shook
emotion. She had knelt there but d
few moments when q heavy, rough
hand was laid on her shoulder. Look
ing up she perceived large, rough
man standing above her. Shaking
her rudely, he bade her ''rise, and no
more of her nonsense, for he meant
business"
Evelyn, with quiet dignity, rose
wonderingly, and said, "Who are
you. sir, and why do you thus rudely
intrude on my sorrow?"
"Who am I and why do | intrude?
I'd have you understand have more
right here than you-a poor pauper
and founding. | am that old fellows
brother" nodding scornfully at the
coffin, "and have come to demand the
will that he left" The remembrance
came to her in an instant of the step
brother, whose reputation went far
from reassuring her.
''The will?" in a surprised tone.
"Why, he didn't leave any"
An exultant, fendish look passed
over his face. The thought flashed
through her head-if there was no will
she was penniless for she could claim
nothing legally.
"Eh, didn't leave any? Well, then,
see that you hurry this old fellow Off
anu YOU NOuISOll ic1NO JobaL ASP|D1N
ure as soon as possible. You under
stand? /, as the only living relative,
will fall heir to it all.
Her lonely condition now forced it
self upon herin all it's awful aspects.
20, but, sir, l have no place else to
60, and it was his last wish that |
should always remain at Oakwood.
And" with decision, 81 shall not leave
it, for have promised, and hold a
promise made to the dead sacred.
at was, eh?" he said determined to
insult her to the extent OF his power,
and make his revenge las he Thought
on his dead brother perfect, little
thinking this proud-spirited girl would
accept his offer. "Weil, Maria and
Susan will want maid and my wife II
want servant, so if you stay, you
stay in those capacities only"
After considering q moment:
81 accept the terms; there is nothing
else for me to do" and proud flush
mounted to her face, as she added: 81
know, sir, that he intended to leave 1t
| all to me, but rather than show any
n -. q .